Mesenchymal stromal cells and their derivatives - putative therapeutics in the management of autoimmune pancreatitis.

Autoimmune pancreatitis, a derivative of chronic pancreatitis, frequently causes acute episodes with clinical symptoms parallel to those of acute pancreatitis. Corticosteroids are effective in the treatment of 90% of autoimmune pancreatitis cases, but for the remaining 10%, options are limited. Due to their significant immunomodulatory capabilities, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been proposed as a novel treatment strategy for various immune and inflammatory pathologies including those with autoimmune origins. Here, we not only highlight the most recent MSC live-cell experiments to address acute pancreatitis, but also discuss the opportunities afforded by the emergence of the newly identified field of MSC necrobiology. We conclude that the putative employment of MSC derivatives provides a newer and simpler therapeutic approach that could have significant advantages over the use of cells themselves.

Concise review: The challenges and opportunities of employing mesenchymal stromal cells in the treatment of acute pancreatitis.

To date only small animal models have been employed to assess the effect of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy on acute pancreatitis (AP), the most common cause of hospitalization for gastrointestinal diseases worldwide. We outline the challenges inherent in the small animal models of AP. We also point to specific benefits afforded by the adoption of larger animal models. The potential for MSC therapeutics in the treatment of AP was recognized over a decade ago. With sharper focus on the form of AP and development of new MSC delivery routes in larger animals, we believe the challenge can be engaged.